Ozonizing and sterilizing apparatus.



F. E. BLANGHARD.

OZONIZING AND STEBILIZING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 23, 1912.

1,096,991 Patented May 19, 1914.

H7 3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

WITNESSES .ZZNVE'NZ'UR.

JW 5. M C v @mm 7 M I M w??? F. E. BLANGHARD. OZONIZING AND STERILIZING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED D150. 23, 1912.

1,096,991, Pat e nted May 19, 1914.

F j 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

'F. E. BLANCHARD.

OZONIZING AND STERILIZING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 23, 1912.

1,096,991. Patented May 19, 191

Z 3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

W! TNE'E'EEE." INT/ENTER -To all whom it may concern M EDST TE PAT-mo mremix 115:. IBLANCHARD;

which vforma part of this specification.

the gas will be utilized.

Thisinvention'relates to apparatus for the conversion of oxygen into ozone by electrical action, and has particular reference to the utilization of ozone for sterilizing, germi cidal and oxidizing purposes. p

The primary object of my invention is the provision of an apparatus of this character, which is adapted for use in banking houses for the sterilizing and (leodorizing particularly of paper 1noney,in hospitals for, thesterilizing of, bandages, wearing apparel, -etc., and for'use in any other connection or purposefor which it may be appropriate.

A further object of the invention is the provision,'in an apparatus of this class, of a circulatory system, which is adapted to cause ozonized air within thea'pparatusto repeatedl' circulate through articles therein to beren ered sterile then back. through the I ozonizer and air circulatingmeans after which it is again forced f through the cham- "ber containin the art-iclj'es, insuch manner, thattheozonlzedalr is used over and over and repeatedly'hrought in close andintimate contact withfthe articles within the sterilizmg chamber',whereby the chemical effect of A fur her object 3 of the invention is the provision of an jozonlzer', which Is so construc-ted thatthe'airfinj passing through it y will receivefthe r1111. benefit of the silent electrical discharge whichfthe high tension current produces-and willat the same time serve tocarr'y ofi the heat. generated by the ozonizer, which heat easily radiated on "account of the small area of contact between the electrodes and the-dielectrics. So far as I am aware, little. attention has heretofore;

been this .lleating probleii fothe Specification'o! Letters Patent.

application filed December 23, 1912. Serial No. 738,369.

ozonizer. V

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a 0F I 01110 OR or own-mm "m FRANK J ROEDE or TOLEDO, onro.

OZON IZING AND STERILIZING APPARATUS.

Patented May 19,1914,

large generators, and, as the presence of such' heating lowers the electrical efliciency in theapparatus, the ease of heat radiation, which is made possible by the construction of my feature. a .v

A further object ofthe invention is the provision in'an apparatus of this character of means for preventing a diminution oi pressurewithin the sterilizin reason of the peculiar chemiczfaction which takes place during the sterilizing process.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description. Y

The invention is fully described in the following specification, and while, in its broader aspect, it is capable of embodiment in numerous .forms, a preferred embodiment thereof is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which, I

Figure 1 is a vertical section of an ap paratusembodying the invention with a portion of the interior parts in full. Fig. 2 is acentral vertical section of the apparatus taken substantially at right angles to the apparatus, is a highly 7 importantchamber by section inFig. 1, with the article carrying basket removed. Fig. 3 is an. enlarged top plan view ofthe ozonizer with a portion of the too insulating ring broken away. Fig. 4 is an enlarged bottom view of one ofthe dielectric plates, and Fig. 5=is an elevation of. the lead connecting side of the a portion of case which is preferably, but not necessarily,

of cylindrical form, and is carried bya base member 2 that is mounted, in the present instance, on casters 3. The case 1 has its topopenand adapted to be closed ina substantially air tight manner by a removable cover. The interior of the case 1 is divided by a horizontally-disposed partition 5 into a lower compartment 6 and an upper compartment 7 having its top closed by the r I Mounted within the lower compartmentv cover 4.

6 oftheapparatus is an electric rotary con-,2

verter 8, a blower 9, ,the fan or rotorof which. iscarried by the convertershaft, and- 1 the, converter are v designated 11, and are a; transformerl0. The electricalleadS to disposed, circ i with a switch. that 1 carried, by the a .1 t one side thercoi lated therefrom by any suitable form of .insulation 14, and being shown, in the present instance, as comprising a plurality of dielectric plates or rings 15, which are placed one upon another in a manner to provide air spaces therebetween and have screenlike electrodes 16 disposed therebetween through which the air is required to pass one or more times in its passage through the spaces between the dielectric plates. The air or oxygen in its passage through the spaces between the dielectric plates is converted into ozone by the silent electrical discharge from the electrodes 16,as is well understood in the art. The dielectric plates 15, which are of ring form to provide a central openin through the ozonizer and composed of gdass or other suitable non-conductor, are preferably of duplicate construction and each is provided on one side thereof, the bottom in the present instance, with two radially spaced concentric annular ribs or ridges 17, 17 (see Fig. 4), and on the opposite or top side-thereof with a single an nular rib 18, whichis disposed midway between the ribs 17, 17 in concentric relation thereto.- Each dielectric plate is also provided at spaced intervals therearound, in directly opposite relation to each side thereof, with radially raised surfaces or arms 19 which extend from adjacent to the inner edge of the plate to beyond the outer edge thereof to form radially projecting ears 19 at the outer edge of the plate. The raised surfaces or arms 19 are intended to rest upon the corresponding surfaces of the sub ]'acent plates to maintain the plates in properly spaced relation, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, and are recessed intermediate their ends at each side of the plate, as at 20, to provide spaces in which the respective electrodes 16 are disposed. The electrodes 16, which are preferably of ring form and composed of metal screening or some per-.

forate material. suitable for the passage of electricity therethrough, are interposed between the ribs 17, 17 of one plate and the single rib 18 of the adjoining plate, having contact with each of such ribs, whereby the air in its assage between the plates is caused to ta e an undulatory courseand to pass at least twice through an electrode, thus materially facilitatin the silent discharge of electricity into tile. The dielectric plates are preferably provided on each side thereof w1th spaced radially disposed ribs 21'which connect the ridges 17 17 at one side ofthe plate and extend across the ridge 18 at the. opposite side of the plate. Each dielectric plate 15 is also provided in suitable position thereon with a pair of oppositely thickened radial extensions 22, which are radially channeled on opposite sides thereof to adapt them when the plates are built u one over another to coiiperate to form ra ial passages, as shown at-22 in' Fig. 5, throughwhich leads to the electrodes are intended to pass. The transformer 10 has two leads 23 extending from the secondary thereof up through the partition 5, and each has a branch connection 24 with alternate electrodes, whereby four electrodes are in circuit with the transformer. When the dielectric plates 15 and the electrodes 16 have been built up onevabove another to any desired number, a top insulating ring or member 25 is placed over the upper dielectric' plate, and the whole is firmly secured to the platform or partition 5 by screws or bolts 26 which extend through apertures in cars 27 projecting radially from the member 25, and through registering apertures in the ears 19" of the dielectric plates. It is apparent with this construction of ozonizer that the air currents in passing through the spaces between the dielectric plates are caused'to take an undulatory course and to pass a'plurality of times through the electrodes 16 whereby a thorough ozonization of the air is effected. While the elements of the ozonizer are preferably disposed in reclining position or built one upon another, it is evident that they may be arranged in any other manner, as desired, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Mounted within the upper compartment 7 v of the :casing is a receptacle 28 forming a sterilizing chamber, and, in the present instance, being of tapered or conical form with its small end resting upon the insulating member25 at the edge of the central opening provided therethrough. The interior of the receptacle 28 has communication through a bottom opening and pipe or conduit 29 with the outlet of the blower 9, whereby the air delivered from the blower is directed up into the receptacle. The pipe 29 pro.- jectsd'own through the opening provided through the central portion of the ozonizer and through a registering opening 30 in the partition 5, beingof less diameter than said openings to providean air space there- 'around, and has its upper end preferably flared outwardly or of funnel shape, as shown at 29, toconnect with the bottom opening of the receptacle which is preferably larger than the pipe 29. A screen oringarticles within or removing them from the receptacle 28 a wire basket 36 is adapted the adjacent wall of said compartment'to serve "to brace the receptacle therein. The flange 32 is provided therearound witl1 spaced openings 33 through which the air passes from the upperpart of the receptacle 28 down into theportionbffithe jcompartment 7 which surrounds said receptacle, and thence passes inwardly through the .ozonizer to the llltBIlOI opening or passage thereof. An air conduit'34 connects with the under side of the opening infthepartition 5 and opens communication between such. opening and a down pipe leading. to the intake of the blower 9. It is thus apparent. that theair which is oz'onized by its passage through the electrodes lti between the dielectrics 15 passes through the opening 30, conduits 34 and 35' to theblower; and. is thence delivered by the blower through the pipe into the receptacle 28 where it is'Tutilized to again sterilize articles disposed within the receptacle; "Forconvenience in. placto beremovably placed within'the receptacle 28. Any number of the jbaskets 36 maybe provided so that articles may be placed [in one without the apparatus while another basket I containing articles be sterilized. is disposed within'theapparatus, I l v Ozone differs chemically, from fatinoss pheric'oxygen in that fth jmde ul of the latter {.is' compose'd'lbf itwo'f atoms; while the ozonejinolecule consists of three'atoins of oxygen; "Ozoneis "an. "endothermic ,cfoms.

' po nd -2 alorislof.h atb igfi se n' ts' r o immense-CF 1 s e son; o'zone :is'j very unstable and: [reverts readily into ordinary o ygen, during. which change, one atom of thefoxygen is setlfree,

'ethe i w th 362 "c re -.1 The ygen thusf liberated is in a naseem" cendition and performs oxidations with greater ease and rapidity than ordinarypxygenn It is-this characteristic "{ozfoneits fgreat sterilizing and germic dal powers. "As. the

electricaction changes thetxygen into ofz one,

a decrease the. volume =01: the gas becomes.

evident, due tov the factfthat the. ozone molecu'le occupies same spac asfthe-oxygen molecule. Whenthe apparatus is 1n operation therefora'j a" partial .yacuu n occurs within the upper compartment]? of. the re ceptacle, "thus rendering itneeessary to} maintain such upper compartment substantially all" tight during s a1d operation, a 1n orderi ;r eve tiai c e of rid e y; into 1 such compartment. 'To pvercome the. loss of pressure which,is. occas1oned by such. action, th pipeor1Jond tj35 which leadsto uniform.

' For convenience in an. auxiliary inlet 37 through which airmay .beadmitted to. said conduit from the compartment6, which compartment: has communicationfwith the atmosphere .through openings 38 in the bottom member OfythO apparatus, or in any other suitable manner. Any other suitable means may be provided, however, for maintaining a substantially chamber. I 1 f It is found inpractice that while it is not absolutely necessary to render the compartm'ent 7 air tight and to provide an auxiliary airinlet for air t0-theblower .9, it is preferable for efiicient work and is 'considered quite an important feature of the apparatus. i

getting at the converter or other inclosed parts. of the apparatusfor repair or any other desired purpose, the casing l is preferably slipped down over the apparatus and removably. fitted 1 at its base around the base member 2, the partition 5'which carries the ozonizing apparatus being fixedly carried b posts 3Qt'WhlCl1 extend upward from" t e base member .2.

When the casing 1 is-in place it has a close and; in ordertorender the compartment 7 V substantially air tight, the casing is pro vided above the marginal edge ofthe insulating sheet 14 with an. inwardly projecting annular flange 40,-which seats down on. a gasket. 41 on the outer-marginal edge of the sheet. 14. In order tojprjotect theleading-in wires .11. and the switch 12. from static currents within the casing 1, IIprovidea -protecting casing; 42 therefor which a, casing is attachedto the inner side of: the. casing 1 and; cooperates therewith to .inclose the switch and .a considerable portionof the leadingfin wires. The leading-in wires "11 are provided. with a coupling-members?) to facilitate a disconnection of such wires with.

the converter ,wires when the casing l ,isremoved fromthe operative parts of. the apparatus j :j

Inthe useof my sterilizing apparatus the.

articles to besterilized-arep aced-either directly in thereceptacle 28 or in a basket '36 disposed within such receptacle, and after. placing the cover 4 closely over thetopopenjing of the casing lithe electricityis. turned into thecob verter 8 therebydriving)" such converter t operate the fan of the. lower and also to generate electricitywforthe ozon -x izer which electricity passes/[0* the trans former 10. and, thence tromithe secondary thereof to the. respective electrodes :16 of. theozoni zer. The operation-of the blower causes a rapidcirculation of air. throughthe receptacle 2 8,. thence ,o'ver the top thereof and through the opening 33am} the pressure within 'the sterilizing space around the receptacle 28 to the ozon-.

' tinued so long as the converter is in operation, thus using the same air over and over so that it is successively ozonized by its passage through the ozonizing apparatus and then at leastpartially converted back into oxygen by its passage through the articles being sterilized.

It is evident that I have provided a simple and eflicient ozonizing apparatus which is admirably adapted for use in banks for I the sterilizing and deodorizing of money, for

use in hospitals for the sterilizing of band ages and other articles which are commonly sterilized in such places, and for use in any other connection for which it may be adapted or appropriate. It is also evident that in an ozonizer constructed as described three dielectric plates and the interposed elec trodes would constitutea generator cell, and that such cell may be built up of any number of dielectric plates and interposed electrodes as may be necessary to consume a desired amount of power. The provision on the dielectric plates of the radiating. projections which cooperate in pairs to form inclosing guides for the conductor strips which connect the screen electrodes with the transformer leads is also quite an important fea-.

ture of my apparatus as such'gnides prevent any electrical leakage, brush discharge, or short circuiting arcs on the exterior pore tions of the cell. I n

I Wish it understood that myinvention is not limited to any specific construction or arrangement of the parts except in so far as such limitations are specified in the claims.

Having thus described'my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is,

1. In a sterilizing apparatus, a casing, ozonizing means and an article receptacle in said casing, and means for creating a continuous circulation of air through the ozonizer and receptacle and said casing.

2. In a sterilizing apparatus, an article receptacle, ozonizing means, a blower in communication with said receptacle, and an inclosing member for said parts which cooperates therewith to form a continuous circulatory system whereby air is repeatedly forced through the receptacle and ozonizer by said blower.

3. In a sterilizing apparatus, an article receptacle, an ozonizing means, a blower, and an inclosing member for said-several parts cooperating therewith to form a cir-v culatory system for the repeated passage of air through. the several parts, said blower having its outlet connected to the receptacle and its inlet connected to the ozonizing means. a

4. A sterilizing apparatus having an ozonizing means, an article receptacle and air circulating means, all'in a common air circulating circuit, and an inclosing case therefor forming a partof the circulating circuit. I

5. A. sterilizing apparatus having an article receptacle, an enveloping member therefor, means for creating a circulation of fluid through said receptacle and member and anozonizing means in the circulating circuit with said receptacle, member and first means, and auxiliary air inlet means for said first mentioned means. I

6. In a sterilizing apparatus, a substantially air tight chamber, an article receptacle in said chamber having inlet and outlet openings, a blower for creating a circulation of fluid first through said receptacle and then the chamber, ozonizing means disposed in said circulatory system for ozonizing the fluid flowing through the receptacle, and means for maintaining'a normal fluid pressure within said chamber and receptacle.

7. In a sterilizing apparatus, a sterilizing chamber, mechanism for generating ozone and circulating it through said chamber, and thence back to said mechanism to be again acted on thereby, means inclosing said chamber and serving to connect said chamber and mechanism to cooperate therewith to form an endless .fluid circulating course, and means for preventing a reduction of pressure within said circulating" course by reason of the change in density of the ozone during the sterilizing action.

. .8. In a sterilizingapparatus, a closed chamber, an ozone generator having a passage t-herethrough, a receptacle in said chamber, and a current creating means in communication with said chamber through. *both, said generator and receptacle whereby all of said parts are in a common endless circulatory system.

A9. In a sterilizing apparatus, a current creating means, a closed chamber having an opening in communication with said means, an ozone generator so placed that air must pass therethrough before its passage from said chamber through said opening, and a receptacle having communication with the 1 interior of said chamber and with said means and forming apart of the circulatory system in which said chamber, generator and means are disposed.

.10. In a sterilizing apparatus, a closed chamber having an opening in its bottom.

a ring form of .ozone' generator disposed around said opening, a receptacle mounted above the generator -Within said chamber and having its top in communication with the chamber, and means for drawing air from the chamber through said generator and then forcing it through said receptacle and into said chamber.

11. In a sterilizing apparatus, a closed chamber having an opening in its bottom, a ring form of ozone generator mounted around said opening, a. receptacle mounted within said chamber and having its upper portion in communication with said chamher, a blower having its intake in communication with said opening whereby air is drawn from said chamber through the generator and having its outlet extending upward through said opening and the central portion of the" generator in communication with the interior of said receptacle through its bottom. p

12-. In a sterilizing apparatus, a closed case having a removable cover and divided into upper and lower col-apartments, an ozone generator and a receptacle in said upper compartment, both in communication therewith, and current creating means disposed in said lower compartment and having inlet and outlet passages which cooperate with said chamber, generator and receptacle to provide an endless circulatory system.

13. In a sterilizing apparatus, a base member, a platform elevated above and carri'ed by said base member, a casing removablf fitting over said base member and platform to cooperate therewith to form upper and lower compartments, a receptacle dlsposed within the upper compartment with its upper end in communication therewlth,

"a draft creating means disposed within the lower compartment and adapted to draw air from the upper compartment and force it through said receptacle and back into the pper con'ipartment, and an ozone generator disposed to ozonize air in its passage from the upper compartment to said means.

14-. In a sterilizing apparatus, a closed chamber having a removable cover, a receptacle disposed in said chamber and having an open top in communication therewith, a removable article carrying basket fitting within said receptacle, an ozone generator, and means for creating a circulation of air through said chamber, generator and receptacle and the basket disposed therein.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FRANK E. BLANCHARD.

Witnesses:

FRANK H. Sonnonnnn, C. W. OWEN. 

